Oct. 26, 2009

PITTSBURGH--Pitt coach Dave Wannstedt, who has led the Panthers to their best start in 27 years, has been named to the watch list for the Paul "Bear" Bryant College Football Coach of the Year award, it was announced by the Bryant Awards committee of the American Heart Association.

Wannstedt is one of 20 coaches on the list, which was selected by a committee comprised of national sports media members, current and past event chairmen, former collegiate players and coaches, and Bryant family representatives.

Bryant Coach of the Year finalists will be announced in December. They will attend an awards dinner in Houston, Texas, on Jan. 14, 2010, when the winner will be announced. The winner of the Bryant College Football Coach of the Year award is selected by members of the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association and is the only college coaching award voted on after all bowl games are played.

Wannstedt, in his fifth year as head coach at Pitt, has led the Panthers to a 7-1 overall record and 4-0 Big East mark. The 7-1 start marks Pitt's best record after eight games since 1982.

The Panthers continue to climb in the national polls, earning a No. 16 ranking by The Associated Press and No. 17 in the USA Today coaches poll. In the latest Bowl Championship Series standings, Pitt is rated No. 15.

Following an open date this week, Pitt will return to action Nov. 7 when it hosts Syracuse at noon at Heinz Field. The game will be a national ESPNU telecast.

For ticket information, call (800) 643-PITT or log on to www.PittsburghPanthers.com.

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